Jesse Eisenberg, the voice of Blue, a blue macaw in the film “Rio,” has joined forces with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to speak out against the inhumane treatment of exotic birds. Eisenberg talks about his role as Blue in the Humane Society’s newest PSA to raise awareness of the growing problem of unwanted captive birds in the country.

He says, “Although Blue is a much loved pet, he has no idea what its like to be a bird. He doesn’t even know how to fly. It’s only when he gets a taste of the wild that he discovers his true self and how he ended up in a cage.” He goes on to explain that millions of exotic birds are victims of the lucrative exotic bird trade and that he hopes the film “Rio” has given audiences a better understanding of exotic bird trafficking and the decimation of wild populations.

His support of HSUS comes on the heels an investigation into an Ohio facility where more than 130 parrots and other birds were rescued in May. Charges of cruelty have been filed against the Ohio facility. The birds were rescued through a joint effort between the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, the Moriane police department, and HSUS’s Animal Rescue Team. The birds in the facility were found living in deplorable conditions and appeared to suffer from malnutrition, dehydration, mental distress and zoonotic diseases.

Adam Parascandola, director of animal cruelty investigations for HSUS, said in a press release, “We are grateful to Jesse Eisenberg for helping us to raise awareness of the growing problem of unwanted captive birds in this country. Parrots are highly intelligent, social, and long-lived animals whose complex needs cannot be met by most owners, which is why so many are abandoned.”

HSUS offers five different ways to help parrots and other birds kept: 1. Support local bird rescues or shelters. 2. If you have a pet bird treat it right. 3. Think twice before buying a bird. Research and never buy a bird from a pet store or online. 4. Support rescue efforts by animal welfare organizations. 5. Pledge to protect wildlife by not supporting the wildlife trade.

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About lindastcyr

Linda St.Cyr is a writer, blogger, activist, and short story author. When she isn’t writing or raising her kids with her life partner, she is busy being vocal about feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and bringing attention to human rights violations all over the world.